Neil Shah, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty in hand surgery. Dr. Shah believes communication and education are key to caring for patients effectively. He listens to the concerns of his patients and, together, formulates a treatment plan. His practice is innovative, focusing on constantly improving and adapting new techniques to better patient care. He relies on patient-oriented problem-solving to elucidate medical mysteries and enhance perspective.Dr. Shah has a biomedical engineering background and has interest in the latest technological advances of the orthopedic field. He performs stitchless, minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release as well as complex hand and wrist surgeries. He also offers the latest shoulder and wrist arthroscopy techniques including rotator cuff repair, along with custom shoulder replacement with preoperative 3D CT planning.Away from work, he enjoys basketball, swimming, hiking and sightseeing. Dr. Shah is highly rated in 16 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Rhizarthrosis, and Synovitis.

Jason Thompson, MD, is board certified and is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in the care of patients with simple or complex problems of the neck or back. As an expert in the care of the spine, he may prescribe treatments including physical therapy, spinal injections, medications or massage, or he may perform surgical procedures including decompression, disc replacement, scoliosis correction or spinal fusion. He has special interests in treating young adults with scoliosis and in using cutting-edge technology to reduce the "footprint" of spinal surgery.He serves as Medical Director of The Spine Center, which allows him to improve his patients' experience as they move through the office, hospital, and rehabilitation phases of treatment. Coordinating and collaborating with other experts, such as therapists, radiologists, and physiatrists, he utilizes the strengths of a team approach to help his patients reach their goals.Recognizing that each patient is unique, he helps each person develop an individualized treatment plan. Whether a patient comes to him with leg cramps from stenosis or a numb arm from a blown-out disc in the neck, his goal is helping people regain their maximum potential. He believes in the power and success of an accurate diagnosis, rapid, individualized treatment, and multi-modality rehabilitative care. Patients frequently refer their families and friends to Dr. Thompson, and he believes there is no greater compliment than a satisfied patient saying, "Thanks! I’ll send my family to you."A Florida native, he has embraced the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, sailing and skiing. Dr. Thompson is highly rated in 13 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Kyphosis, Spondylolisthesis, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

Christopher Howe, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in a wide array of spine care ranging from degenerative conditions to spine trauma and metastatic disease. He practices at POA's Renton and Covington locations. He has a clinical focus on simple and complex surgical care of the spine and general orthopedic fracture management.Dr. Howe's goal is to educate patients and allow them to make an informed decision about their care and treatment options. He serves as a member on the Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.Away from orthopedics, he enjoys spending time with his family as well as backcountry skiing, cycling, running, and international travel. Dr. Howe is highly rated in 12 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Spondylosis, Herniated Disc Surgery, and Cervical Disc Surgery.

Niket Shrivastava, MD, is board-certified in orthopedics with a special focus on hand and wrist surgery. In addition to his clinical experience, he has substantial research experience including serving as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Orthopaedics at Columbia University and a research assistant in both the Department of Orthopaedics and Center for Bioengineering at University of Washington. Dr. Shrivastava is highly rated in 11 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Trigger Thumb, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Frozen Shoulder, and Hip Replacement.

Erik Novak, MD, PhD, is board-certified and a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon providing surgical and non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions. He also specializes in general orthopedics and the treatment of fractures. He believes that taking the time to explain to patients their musculoskeletal conditions and treatment choices allows for a faster recovery and return to the activities and sports they enjoy.He serves as the team physician for the Thunderbirds hockey team and has international experience as a volunteer with Orthopaedics Overseas in Mthatha, South Africa. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family. He also takes part in outdoor recreational activities and traveling. Dr. Novak is highly rated in 9 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Achilles Tendon Rupture, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Metatarsalgia, and Hip Replacement.

Eric Alyea, DO, MPH, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship-trained in shoulder and elbow surgery.Dr. Alyea strives to provide the highest quality care using the latest techniques in an evidence based manner, and to serve patients through a collaborative, shared decision model developed through open and honest communication with the informed patient.In June 2020, Dr. Alyea was elected to join the ranks of theAmerican Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) as a Candidate Member. Candidate membership in ASES is a privilege and an honor only awarded to young orthopaedic surgeons who have completed a fellowship in shoulder surgery, elbow surgery, and/or sports medicine. Membership is by invitation only and candidates must demonstrate active involvement in scientific and clinical orthopaedic education and be recommended by his Fellowship Program Director.Dr. Alyea is a also a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Western Orthopaedic Association, Wilderness Medical Society, American Medical Association and American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics. He was an assistant team physician for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2018-19 season.Outside of work, he enjoys golf, archery, snowboarding and other outdoor activities.Request an orthopedic appointment. Dr. Alyea is highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Frozen Shoulder.

Craig T. Arntz, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic shoulder specialist with 25 years of experience treating problems that often require shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff tears, instability, fractures, and shoulder arthritis. He has advanced training in shoulder surgery with extensive experience in treating the most complex shoulder disorders. He has particular interest in arthroscopic shoulder repair, rotator cuff surgery and shoulder replacement surgery, including reverse shoulder replacement.Dr. Arntz is also a board-certified hand surgeon, and he is recognized in the Seattle and Renton communities as a shoulder and upper extremity specialist. He is proud to have had thousands of physician and patient referrals.He uses advanced techniques to restore his patients' shoulder and hand comfort and function as quickly and safely as possible. He has co-authored several articles and book chapters about rotator cuff repair and shoulder arthritis reconstruction.He is a native of Seattle. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys snow and water skiing, boating, and travel. Dr. Arntz is highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Frozen Shoulder.

In his practice, Fred Huang, MD, enjoys focusing on several areas of orthopedic surgery, including sports injuries, arthroscopic knee surgery, knee and hip replacement surgery, and fracture care. He strives to provide care that is tailored to fit each patient's individual needs, and he believes that educating patients about their orthopedic conditions promotes success and patient satisfaction.Dr. Huang was a clinical instructor in the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. He taught UW orthopedic residents at the Seattle VA hospital from 2001 to 2019. In his spare time, he enjoys cheering for the Florida Gators football and basketball teams. Dr. Huang is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Infectious Arthritis, Tendinitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Praveen Kanneganti, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon who provides high-quality orthopedic care with a patient-centered approach.Dr. Kanneganti provides patients with the tools and guidance they need to understand their diagnosis and works in partnership with them to develop a treatment plan - whether surgical or non-surgical - to help them return to the activities they enjoy and achieve the quality of life they desire.Dr. Kanneganti is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Association of North America.Request an orthopedic appointment. Dr. Kanneganti is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Frozen Shoulder, Bursitis, and Hip Replacement.

Eric Varley, DO, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in complex conditions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Dr. Varley has comprehensive training in minimally invasive spine surgery, deformity reconstruction and revision surgery.Dr. Varley's philosophy is to serve the unique needs of each patient. He recognizes that the doctor-patient relationship is a very special one grounded in collaboration. He believes this collaboration is built on shared expectations, trust, and a clear understanding of non-operative and operative treatment outcomes. Individualized treatment is designed to honor and return the patient to the meaningful activities of their lives. Dr. Varley looks forward to bringing a compassionate, evidence-based approach to all patients.Away from work, Dr. Varley enjoys trail running, kayaking, cooking, zymurgy, and backcountry backpacking and skiing. He also has a love for learning new things, and is an avid reader and world traveler. He shares his passion for exploration with his adventurous wife and two active children. When not enjoying time outside with his family, he has a deep personal commitment to global spine outreach and lectures internationally on spine care.Patient Testimonial Video:Spine Surgery Success - Steven’s StoryIn the News:Dr. Varley delivers a baby on the Lopez Island ferry. Dr. Varley is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Scoliosis, Lordosis, Spinal Stenosis, and Kyphosis.

David Kieras, MD, specializes in sports medicine, fractures, joint replacement and shoulder and knee surgery. Dr. Kieras is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Kieras is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Osteochondroma, Tendinitis, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement.

Andrew L. Merritt, MD, is dedicated to getting injured athletes back to the activities they love. His practice is focused on sports medicine and surgical treatment of the knee and hip. He has specialized training in ligament, cartilage, and tendon injuries of the knee. He also specializes in hip and knee replacement, including minimally-invasive partial knee replacement.Dr. Merritt brings advanced training to his practice, using the same surgical techniques and individualized care that helps professional athletes get back in the game. He has published many papers and chapters on orthopedics and complex knee surgery. He served as an assistant team physician for the New York Giants professional football team.He spends most of his free time outdoors and enjoys traveling. He has provided medical services to natives and fellow travelers in Peru and Nepal during two treks to Mt. Everest base camp. He and his wife reside in the Seattle area with their two children. He is honored to be involved in your care and will work with you toward regaining your active lifestyle. Dr. Merritt is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Baker Cyst, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Joseph Cove is an Orthopedics provider in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Cove is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, Invertebral Disc Disease, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

Robert Tamurian is an Orthopedics provider in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Tamurian is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Desmoid Tumor, Hip Replacement, and Osteotomy.

Rachel Wheeler is an Orthopedics provider in Bonney Lake, Washington. Her top areas of expertise are Scoliosis, Sciatica, Spondylolisthesis, and Spinal Stenosis.

Alan B. Thomas, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity surgery. He has been practicing medicine since 2000, and he has a special interest in arthroscopy of the wrist, elbow and shoulder. He received a CAQ subspecialty certificate in orthopedic surgery of the hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.He enjoys the challenges of restoring people to health through his practice. His doctorate work in biochemistry opened up new approaches for treating complex problems and made him a more detailed clinician.Dr. Thomas is a former vice president of St. Clare Hospital and has served on the operating and surgical committees for St Clare Hospital and the medical executive committee for Franciscan Health at St. Josephs Medical Center. He is a chairman for an outreach committee at his church and a member of the board of directors for The Health Project – Cambodia, which delivers medical supplies and equipment to underserved people in Southeast Asia and he travels to Cambodia each year to provide surgical care to those in need.Outside of his medical practice and volunteer work, he tries to keep up with his three children who are avid skiers, wakeboarders, and surfers. Dr. Thomas is highly rated in 15 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Trigger Thumb, and Rhizarthrosis.

Michael J. Martin, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with advanced training in spinal medicine and surgical techniques for the treatment of degenerative conditions and fractures of the spine. He is professionally interested in spine treatment innovations with a focus on minimally invasive procedures.He has been a surgeon since 1992 and sees himself as a teacher and facilitator in helping people heal themselves. That’s why his high quality, compassionate care includes spending time educating patients about their condition and providing a personalized treatment plan that works for them.Dr. Martin was previously an investigator in a nationwide FDA clinical trial involving a less invasive lumbar spinal stenosis treatment that he helped develops. He is actively involved in developing other innovative treatments and devices for the treatment of diseases and conditions of the spine. He is a Peer Reviewer for the official journal of the NASS, The Spine Journal, and continues to publish articles in orthopedic journals and present community lectures on various lumbar and cervical spine topics.In addition to his community volunteer efforts at Bellarmine Preparatory School, he is an acting Board Member for Commencement Bay Rowing Club. He previously coached youth sports for local community baseball teams and basketball at Saint Patrick’s Catholic School in Tacoma. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and children, biking, skiing, and cooking. Dr. Martin is highly rated in 11 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Klippel-Feil Syndrome, Spondylolisthesis, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

Lance L. Bear, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who provides expert surgical care for a variety of general orthopedic conditions, with particular interest in surgery of the hand. Whether he is treating a sports-related injury, a repetitive stress condition or an osteoporosis-related fracture, Dr. Bear partners with his patients to develop customized solutions that will get them back to actively living the life they love.A member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Bear is committed to making a difference in his patients' lives through expert, compassionate care. Dr. Bear is highly rated in 9 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Ganglion Cyst, and Hip Replacement.

Jerry Du, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon with diverse training in spine surgery, from nonoperative management options, to minimally invasive surgery for issues such as herniated disks, to large spinal deformities. He also has extensive experience managing spine trauma and spine oncology. Dr. Du's approach is to offer the least invasive methods possible to treat a patient’s condition and provide optimal outcomes. He has trained under world experts in minimally invasive, evidence-based spine surgery techniques that decrease pain, incision length and blood loss. He stresses shared decision-making, open communication and surgical safety.Dr. Du is a member of multiple spine and orthopedic societies. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers on topics such as disk replacement, robotics and safety in spine surgery. He has presented at nearly 100 national and international conferences, and has received multiple awards for his clinical and research accomplishments.Conditions and Procedures:Cervical disc replacementCervical spine conditionsDisk replacementHerniated diskFusionLaminectomyLaminoplastyLumbar spine conditionsMinimally invasive ambulatory lumbar fusionsMinimally invasive lumbar decompressionMinimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomyMinimally invasive spine surgeryMotion preservation surgeryMyelopathyRadiculopathySciaticaScoliosis. Dr. Du is highly rated in 8 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Scoliosis, Invertebral Disc Disease, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Fusion, and Microdiscectomy.

Sean D. Ghidella, MD, is fellowship trained in hand surgery and specializes in the surgical management of the upper extremity. He has been practicing since 1996 and has received a CAQ subspecialty certificate in orthopedic surgery of the hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He brings experience rarely found outside military practice to Tacoma, Lakewood, and Gig Harbor. He is well versed in management of common sports, work-related, arthritic, and traumatic injuries and ailments. He has a wealth of experience managing severe injuries and conditions resulting from combat as well as birth defects in children.Once management short of surgery has failed, Dr. Ghidella tries to speed recovery and improve function surgically with a combination of traditional techniques that have proven reliable and the latest techniques that depend on current technology. His goal is to restore function to his patients and get them back to their daily activities as quickly as possible by solving their orthopedic problem, big or small.He is a graduate of the Unites States Military Academy, West Point and has served in the military as an orthopedic and hand surgeon with the last eight years of his career holding positions of Chief of Hand Surgery and Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center. He retired from the Army as a Colonel and a combat veteran after 21 years of service in 2010 to pursue civilian practice. He has previously taught as an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M, USUHS, and Swedish Medical Center.He hails from New England, but he considers the South Sound home. He is an avid skier and enjoys water sports. His passion is assistant coaching for Gig Harbor High School Tides Varsity Football. Dr. Ghidella is highly rated in 8 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Trigger Thumb, and Dupuytren Contracture.

William Clark, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and subspecialty certified hand surgeon. He has a clinical interest in arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement, trauma/fractures, nerve and tendon disorders, minimally invasive surgery of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder, complex hand surgery, and treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture.As a physician, he involves patients by discussing the diagnostic and treatment options for each condition and by encouraging them to participate in making their healthcare decisions. As a surgeon, he believes his mission is to provide safe, effective surgical care while staying abreast of the latest advances and techniques. His ultimate goal is patient satisfaction because this is what makes orthopedic surgery an enjoyable and rewarding profession for him. Dr. Clark is highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Rhizarthrosis, Trigger Thumb, and Hip Replacement.

Joshua Johnston, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult joint reconstruction with a focus on total hip replacement and complex revisions.Dr. Johnston provides leading-edge robotic arm-assisted joint replacement, including total knee, partial knee and total hip, for appropriate patients. He is also board-certified in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and specializes arthroscopic surgery of the hip, knee and shoulder.Dr. Johnston utilizes the anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty and instructs this less invasive, muscle-sparing technique to surgeons across the country. He enjoys caring for patients from all walks of life and strives to provide efficient, thorough and compassionate care.Dr. Johnston completed a fellowship at the Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group, a FIFA Centre of Medical Excellence, where he served as the team physician for the L.A. Galaxy and Chivas USA Major League Soccer teams, the U.S. Men's and Women's National Soccer Teams and the Pepperdine University and Santa Monica Community College athletic departments.Dr. Johnston is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine.WATCH A VIDEO:Dr. Johnston explains Robotic Arm-Assisted Joint Replacement. Dr. Johnston is highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Osteonecrosis, Heavy Metal Poisoning, Tendinitis, and Hip Replacement.

Wendy Heusch, DO, is a Pacific Northwest native, originally from Oregon. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound where she played volleyball on the 1993 NAIA Championship team. Her orthopedic training has taken her from West Coast to East Coast and although she enjoyed each area of the country, she believes there is no place quite like the Northwest.Her practice interests include treating all sports related injuries, with special interests in the shoulder and knee. She completed an Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Fellowship at Orthopedic Research of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia where she learned from some of the most respected arthroscopic surgeons in the country about the latest techniques in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. These include all arthroscopic surgery of the rotator cuff and other disorders of the shoulder including dislocations and instability, as well as ACL surgery of the knee. She is also experienced in treating work related injuries of the shoulder and knee. She understands the unique circumstances surrounding work related injuries and helps her patients navigate the L&I process.Dr. Heusch has pursued and obtained subspecialty board certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine. This subspecialty certificate is for board certified orthopedic surgeons who have demonstrated qualifications in sports medicine beyond those expected of other orthopedic surgeons. This includes additional training, a practice characterized by a volume of cases in sports medicine, and by passing an exam administered nationally by the AOBOS.Being an athlete herself, she enjoys treating the needs and injuries of all types of athletes, from high school players to the recreational athlete. She has also spent a portion of her fellowship with the team physician for the Washington Redskins learning about the care of the professional athlete. Dr. Heusch enjoys being a part of the Rainier Orthopedic Institute team and serving the Puyallup community.In her free time, Dr. Heusch enjoys gardening and throwing pottery, and spending time outdoors. She is also an avid supporter of local animal rescues.“I believe in treating my patients as a whole person and that there is more to being healthy than just the absence of disease. By looking beyond just the symptoms and by considering all aspects of a patient’s lifestyle, I strive to work with my patients as part of a team so we can better understand and work towards accomplishing their goals.” – Dr. Wendy Heusch, DO. Dr. Heusch is highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Frozen Shoulder, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Brian Jones, DO, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in full spectrum treatment of cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar spine (low-back) surgery. He also has a clinical interested in knee and shoulder repair and reconstruction, hip, knee, and shoulder replacement, and fracture care.He believes the patient-physician relationship relies on a team approach. Striving for successful results and improving one’s quality of life is an extremely rewarding process for the whole team. His goal is to gather enough information to make the right diagnosis, explore the best treatment options, and develop an individualized treatment plan in collaboration with each patient. Through this personalized approach, he is present at every step of the process so that each patient’s healthcare needs are met with the best possible results. Dr. Jones is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Coccydynia, Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Spondylosis, Hip Replacement, and Microdiscectomy.

Jason Grassbaugh, MD, has dedicated himself professionally to understanding musculoskeletal injury and disease. He understands that no two injuries are exactly alike, and that really listening to the person is the key to deciphering both the nature of the problem and the nuance of their goals. Only then can treatment be crafted that may involve both surgical and non-surgical options, such as physical therapy, stretching, medications, injections, arthroscopy, surgical reconstruction and sometimes joint replacement - all toward the goal of enabling the patient to achieve their unique goals.Dr. Grassbaugh is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, and member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America and Washington State Orthopaedic Association.Away from work, he enjoys woodworking, hiking, board and role playing games, and raising chickens. Dr. Grassbaugh is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis, Osteotomy, and Endoscopy.